In March 2025, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and New Delhi (Delhi) based Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel) entered into a partnership with Elon Musk’s United States of America (USA) based Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services across India.
- This collaboration aims to enhance the existing network and extend coverage to remote regions and bolster internet connectivity, in remote and rural regions across India.
Note: Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX ,provides global broadband coverage through a network of LEO satellites. As of September 2024, Starlink serves over 4 million subscribers worldwide.
Key Features of Jio:
i.Partnership Objective: The alliance seeks to combine Jio’s extensive mobile network with Starlink’s Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide high-speed internet services nationwide.
ii.Distribution Strategy: Jio will distribute Starlink’s satellite communication equipment through its vast network of retail outlets and online platforms, facilitating widespread access to satellite-based internet services.
iii.Regulatory Approval: Starlink’s India launch depends on approvals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), and the Ahmedabad (Gujarat) Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
Key Features of Airtel:
i.Starlink Equipment: Airtel will offer Starlink user terminals through its extensive retail network, enabling customers to access satellite-based internet services.
ii.Service Provision: Airtel aims to deliver Starlink’s high-speed internet services to business clients, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and underserved communities in rural and remote areas.
iii.Network Enhancement: The collaboration seeks to integrate Starlink’s satellite technology with Airtel’s terrestrial infrastructure to improve overall network reliability and reach.
iv.Regulatory Approvals: SpaceX is currently awaiting necessary clearances from the DoT, MoC and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to commence operations in India.
- In 2023 Bharti Airtel, received approval from the IN-SPACe to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India, becoming the first organisation to secure such authorisation from the Indian government.
About Jio Platforms Limited (JPL):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Kiran Thomas
Headquarters- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 2019
About Bharti Airtel Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & CEO– Gopal Vittal
Headquarters- New Delhi (Delhi)
Established- 1995
